Author Archives: Bob Ruggiero

About Bob Ruggiero

I am a passionate fan of classic rock (and related music) with 35 years experience writing about it for daily/weekly newspapers and magazines. I am also the author of the interview anthology "The Classic Rock Bob Reader" and "Slippin' Out of Darkness: The Story of WAR." Both available on Amazon!

The Rolling Stones Open Hackney Diamonds Tour in Houston: My Review!

Posted on May 1, 2024 by Bob Ruggiero

The venerable Classic Rockers opened their 16-city/19-show North American Hackney Diamonds tour right here in my hometown of Houston at NRG Stadium. I was very honored to get an assignment to cover it for Uncut, the great UK magazine/website. Click … Continue reading →

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Book Dissects the Music—and Madness—of A-List Classic Rock Drummer Jim Gordon

Posted on April 10, 2024 by Bob Ruggiero

He was arguably rock’s greatest drummer, or at least on the short list. An inventive percussionist who lifted about everything he played on, he often came up with his drum licks, beats and fills on the spot in the studio … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Derek and the Dominos, Eric Clapton, Jim Gordon | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

A Beatles Insider Gets His Own Story in a Titanic Tome

Posted on January 13, 2024 by Bob Ruggiero

Non-Beatlemaniacs who saw Peter Jackson’s 2021 Beatles documentary Get Back may have wondered just who the large, bespectacled gentleman was often in the background. He can be seen setting up equipment, writing down lyrics for bandmembers, or even fetching tea. … Continue reading →

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Boogie & Blues Rockers Foghat Keep Up Their Sonic Mojo

Posted on December 26, 2023 by Bob Ruggiero

Turn on any Classic Rock radio station—terrestrial, satellite or streaming—and you’re sure to hear something by Foghat. The UK-bred boogie blues band scored in the ’70s with hits like “I Just Want to Make Love to You,” “Drivin’ Wheel,” “Fool … Continue reading →

Posted in Foghat, Savoy Brown | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

When Mark Farner Funked Up Woodstock Nation

Posted on December 23, 2023 by Bob Ruggiero

There have been three “official” iterations of the Woodstock Festival. The 1969 original that gave its name to an entire generation and spawned almost as many myths as truths; the 1994 edition that attempted to bridge the music, and the … Continue reading →

Posted in Grand Funk Railroad, Mark Farner | Tagged , , , , | 8 Comments

A Half Century of KISStory is Celebrated—Loudly—in New Book

Posted on December 22, 2023 by Bob Ruggiero

If you’ve got a KISS fan on your upcoming gift list and don’t know what to possibly get for he or she (though it’s probably a he…), fear no more! Your shopping stress just got a little easier with the … Continue reading →

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Beck, Bogert & Appice—Classic Rock’s “Lost” Power Trio—Thunder on Live Box Set

Posted on December 21, 2023 by Bob Ruggiero

Though it’s been nearly a year since the sudden and unexpected death of guitarist Jeff Beck from bacterial meningitis, his former bandmate, drummer Carmine Appice, is still stunned. Especially since the two had been working closely together on a new … Continue reading →

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Mark Volman of the Turtles is Happy—Forever!

Posted on December 18, 2023 by Bob Ruggiero

He wasn’t the lead singer—that would be his lifelong partner in music and comedy, Howard Kaylan. He didn’t write any of his band’s many ‘60s hits like “Happy Together,” “It Ain’t Me Babe,” “Elenore,” “You Showed Me,” “You Baby,” “She’d … Continue reading →

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Geezer Butler’s Lifetime of Sabbaths—and the Days of Metal In Between

Posted on December 17, 2023 by Bob Ruggiero

The song opens unlike anything else that had been heard in rock music to date. The sounds of a howling wind, drizzling rain, thunder, and then the slow, repetitive tolling of a bell. Just when you think it’s a Halloween … Continue reading →

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Firefall Focuses on Famous Friends & Family

Posted on December 15, 2023 by Bob Ruggiero

The country-tinged classic rockers in Firefall first ignited their musical ember in 1974. That means they’ve had nearly five decades worth of touring with other bands, while various members have also played with big-name artists or been in noted groups. … Continue reading →

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